MULTIPURPOSE DESIGN

Atelier Bow-Wow have fun with urban spaces

Tokyo-based architectural practice Atelier Bow-Wow is currently holding an exhibition of its works at Tokyo’s Gallery MA through May 12, titled “Practice of Lively Space — detached house and micro public space.”

Yoshiharu Tsukamoto, a graduate of Tokyo Institute of Technology, and Japan Women’s University graduate Momoyo Kajima, founded Atelier Bow-Wow in 1992. Since then, the duo have exhibited their quirky, sometimes multipurpose works around the world.

Their White Limousine Yatai was shown closer to home, at the Echigo Tsumaari Art Triennale 2003 in Niigata. This 10-meter-long, mobile food stall (yatai) raised eyebrows at the triennale, as have other portable works, such as the mobile manga library and the “furnicycle” which, as its name suggests, is a movable piece of furniture resembling a bicycle.

On view as part of “Practice of Lively Space” will be a variety of Atelier Bow-Wow’s architectural models including imaginatively designed houses that make the most of Tokyo’s limited urban space.

Atelier Bow-Wow will also be conducting a lecture on April 20 (6:30 p.m.) at INO Hall, 2-1-1 Uchisaiwai-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Admission is free and is on a first-come, first-served basis (there is a seating capacity of 650).